Image: Russell Colvin.

Aiden Wagner suffered an injury setback in the third session of Phillip Island’s Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) test on Thursday, the Yamaha Racing Team newcomer undergoing surgery today.

The number 28 indicated a small crash resulted in a fracture to the base of his left thumb, prompting him to undergo an immediate operation in an effort to be back on the bike for testing ahead round one next month.

Wagner was the fastest Yamaha rider in his first outing on the YRT-prepared YZF-R1, winding up fifth on the timesheets at the Victorian seaside circuit.

“Unfortunately I had a small crash on the second last session which ended up with a trapezium fracture [on the] base of my left thumb,” said Wagner. ‘Flying home now for a quick surgery tomorrow morning.

“I’ll be back for more testing in a couple of weeks and all good for round one. Thanks to the team for supporting me all the way – although we ended up fifth overall, we still managed to be the fastest Yamaha.”

The opening round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship is scheduled for February 27-1 March at Phillip Island, taking place alongside round one of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).